By Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), supported by Sightsavers Sierra Leone, held a significant one-day stakeholder engagement with persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups on the 2024 National Voluntary Review (VNR) of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation in Sierra Leone.
This engagement is a preparatory step for Sierra Leone’s presentation of its Voluntary National Review at the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York in July 2024. The forum’s theme, “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises,” aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing critical SDGs, including No Poverty (Goal 1), Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Gender Equality (Goal 5), Climate Action (Goal 13), Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17). Notably, Sierra Leone will provide an in-depth report on SDG 10, which aims to reduce all forms of inequality by ensuring no one is left behind.
Bashiru Bah, Executive Director of Youth and Children’s Support for SDGs and chairman of the event, praised the government for its SDG progress, especially regarding disabilities and vulnerabilities. He also acknowledged Sightsavers’ support and highlighted the strides made in disability issues through government initiatives and legislative reforms.
Tiangay Cole, Country Lead for Sightsavers Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of inclusive participation in the VNR preparation. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of poverty, inequality, and marginalization on persons with disabilities, underscoring the necessity of centering their voices in the development process. Cole reaffirmed Sightsavers’ commitment to the SDGs and advocated for the full participation of vulnerable groups to create an inclusive societ.
Sao Lamin Korteque, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), thanked MoPED and partners for their support. He referenced the PWD Act 2011, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and discussed the legal framework supporting disability rights.
Alhaji M. Kanneh, Senior Social Service Officer from the Ministry of Social Welfare, expressed gratitude for the event and outlined progress in disability inclusion and socioeconomic empowerment through policy transformations and training programs.
Assistant Director Daniel B. Banya of MoPED explained the rationale behind the consultation, noting that the July 2024 HLPF coincides with the start of the new Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2024-2030). This provides a platform to showcase achievements and identify gaps in SDG implementation. He assured the government’s commitment to the global agreements and urged participants to contribute credible data for the report.
The engagement concluded with a collective call to action, emphasizing the need to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development and a prosperous future for all Sierra Leoneans.
